Trees, shrubs, hemi-epiphytes and climbers, with white or cream latex, often in all parts and flowing richly after damage, plants monoecious or dioecious. Leaves simple to compound, entire or lobed, spirally arranged or rarely opposite (Ficus), pinnately or palmately veined. Stipules present, small or large, forming a cap over the bud, and leaving clear scars that encircle the twigs after they drop. Inflorescences axillary panicles, racemes, spikes, or umbels, or highly condensed. Flowers unisexual or bisexual, (2)-4-merous, sometimes inside an urn-shaped inflorescence (Figs in Ficus). Calyx usually 4-lobed; petals none. Stamens usually 4, opposite the calyx lobes, or reduced to 3, 2, or 1, rarely up to 8. Ovary superior or inferior, or immersed in the inflorescence axis, 2-(3)-locular, with 1 often rudimentary; 1 ovule per locule; styles 2 or 1. Fruit a drupe or united into a large fleshy compound structure called syncarp. Seeds large or small; with or without endosperm.
General info
Distribution A family of about 48 genera and 1200 species, mostly in tropical areas, but also in warm temperate areas in both hemispheres. Ecology In closed and open forests, but more common in light rich places and seasonal climates. Important food plant for frugivores because it fruits all year round. Uses An important family for cultivated and wild fruit trees (Artocarpus, Ficus), ornamental and shade trees (Ficus), latex bearing trees (Ficus), timber trees (Ficus, Artocarpus, Parartocarpus), trees with medicinal properties (Antiaris, Ficus, Parartocarpus), food trees for silk worms (Morus), and religious importance (Ficus religiosa, for Budhists). Similar to Urticaceae, but these have no milky sap.
Family description
Trees, shrubs, hemi-epiphytes and climbers, with white or cream latex, often in all parts and flowing richly after damage, plants monoecious or dioecious.Leaves simple to compound, entire or lobed, spirally arranged or rarely opposite (Ficus), pinnately or palmately veined. Stipules present, small or large, forming a cap over the bud, and leaving clear scars that encircle the twigs after they drop.
Inflorescences axillary panicles, racemes, spikes, or umbels, or highly condensed.
Flowers unisexual or bisexual, (2)-4-merous, sometimes inside an urn-shaped inflorescence (Figs in Ficus). Calyx usually 4-lobed; petals none. Stamens usually 4, opposite the calyx lobes, or reduced to 3, 2, or 1, rarely up to 8. Ovary superior or inferior, or immersed in the inflorescence axis, 2-(3)-locular, with 1 often rudimentary; 1 ovule per locule; styles 2 or 1.
Fruit a drupe or united into a large fleshy compound structure called syncarp. Seeds large or small; with or without endosperm.
General info
Distribution A family of about 48 genera and 1200 species, mostly in tropical areas, but also in warm temperate areas in both hemispheres.Ecology In closed and open forests, but more common in light rich places and seasonal climates. Important food plant for frugivores because it fruits all year round.
Uses An important family for cultivated and wild fruit trees (Artocarpus, Ficus), ornamental and shade trees (Ficus), latex bearing trees (Ficus), timber trees (Ficus, Artocarpus, Parartocarpus), trees with medicinal properties (Antiaris, Ficus, Parartocarpus), food trees for silk worms (Morus), and religious importance (Ficus religiosa, for Budhists).
Similar to Urticaceae, but these have no milky sap.
Treated genera
Artocarpus integer
Ficus grossularioides
Morus
Streblus asper